CHAPTER 21

Darwin wasted no time. The moment the ominous note reached his hands, he signaled Claire, who was stationed discreetly in the ballroom. With a nod, she began mobilizing her team, each member expertly blending into the crowd as they scanned for any unusual activity.

Fiona clung to Darwin’s arm, her breathing shallow. The threat now felt tangible, as if the walls of the grand ballroom were closing in. Her eyes darted to every face, searching for a sign of malice or recognition, but all she saw were masks of politeness and pretense.

“What do we do now?” she whispered.

Darwin didn’t answer immediately. His gaze was fixed on the stage where William stood, chatting with an influential business mogul. The man’s smug smile was enough to ignite a fire in Darwin’s chest, but he forced himself to remain composed.

“We’re leaving,” Darwin said at last, his tone clipped. “This isn’t about playing their game anymore. It’s about staying ahead of it.”

Fiona hesitated. “But if we leave now, won’t it look like we’re running?”

Darwin glanced down at her, his expression softening for a moment. “Sometimes retreating isn’t weakness—it’s strategy. Trust me.”

The journey back to the estate was tense. Claire rode in the car behind them, coordinating with her team to ensure their route was secure. Fiona watched the city lights blur past the window, her mind racing with questions.

“Do you think William sent the note?” she asked, breaking the silence.

Darwin frowned. “It’s possible, but it doesn’t fit his style. He’s too arrogant to warn us. If he had a plan, he’d let it unfold without tipping his hand.”

Fiona mulled over his words, trying to piece together the puzzle. “Then who?”

Before Darwin could respond, Claire’s voice crackled through the car’s intercom.

“Darwin, we’ve got a tail. Black SUV, about three cars back. They’ve been following us since we left the gala.”

Darwin’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “How long until we reach the estate?”

“About ten minutes,” Claire replied. “But if they’re following us, they might not let us get that far.”

Fiona’s heart pounded in her chest. She glanced over her shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of the vehicle, but the tinted windows of their car obscured her view.

“What do we do?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Darwin’s jaw clenched. “We keep moving. Claire, have your team ready at the estate. If they try anything, we’ll handle it there.”

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The black SUV maintained its distance but never veered off course. By the time Darwin and Fiona reached the gates of the estate, their nerves were stretched to the breaking point.

Claire and her team were already in position, armed and ready to intercept any threat. As the gates closed behind Darwin’s car, the black SUV came to a stop just outside the perimeter.

“They’re not making a move,” Claire reported through her earpiece.

Darwin stepped out of the car, his eyes narrowing as he studied the vehicle. It was parked under the shadows of a tree, its windows too dark to see inside.

“Let’s see what they want,” Darwin said, his voice cold.

Fiona grabbed his arm. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“It’s not about being sure,” he replied. “It’s about sending a message.”

Before Fiona could argue, Darwin strode toward the gates. Claire followed closely, her hand resting on the holster at her hip.

The tension was palpable as Darwin approached the SUV. He stopped just short of the gate, his posture radiating authority.

“Whoever you are, you’ve got ten seconds to explain yourself before I call the police,” he said loudly, his voice cutting through the night.

For a moment, there was no response. Then, the driver’s side door opened, and a figure stepped out.

Fiona gasped as the person emerged from the shadows. It was a woman, her face partially obscured by a wide-brimmed hat.

“Relax, Mr. Solomon,” she said, her voice calm and measured. “I’m not here to hurt you.”

Darwin’s eyes narrowed. “Then why are you here? And why the theatrics?”

The woman removed her hat, revealing sharp features and piercing green eyes.

“My name is Elena Marks,” she said. “I work for someone who has a vested interest in your safety.”

Darwin exchanged a glance with Claire, who looked equally skeptical.

“And who might that be?” Darwin asked.

Elena smiled faintly. “Someone who knows what William Newton is capable of. Let’s just say my employer and I have a long history with him—and we’re not fans.”

Fiona, who had been watching from a distance, stepped closer. “If you’re here to help, why didn’t you approach us at the gala?”

“Because William has eyes everywhere,” Elena replied. “I couldn’t risk being seen with you. The note was the safest way to warn you without drawing attention.”

Darwin folded his arms. “Assuming we believe you, why warn us at all? What do you stand to gain?”

Elena’s expression turned serious. “Because if William succeeds in taking you down, he’ll only grow more dangerous. I’ve seen what he’s capable of. You’re not just fighting for your company—you’re fighting for your lives.”

The weight of her words hung in the air.

“What do you know about his plans?” Darwin asked.

“Enough to know you’re in over your head,” Elena said. “William isn’t working alone. He’s building alliances with people who share his goals—people who want to see you fall. And Bella Robbins is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Fiona felt a chill run down her spine. “Who else is involved?”

Elena hesitated, glancing around as if to ensure they weren’t being watched.

“It’s better if we don’t talk here,” she said finally. “Meet me tomorrow at the Luna Café downtown. Noon. I’ll explain everything then.”

Darwin stared at her, his instincts warning him not to trust her so easily. But the urgency in her voice was hard to ignore.

“We’ll see,” he said curtly.

Elena nodded, slipping back into the SUV. “Be careful, Mr. Solomon. William doesn’t just want to ruin you—he wants to destroy everything you care about.”

As the SUV drove away, Darwin turned to Claire.

“Keep an eye on her,” he said. “I want to know everything about Elena Marks by morning.”

Claire nodded, already pulling out her phone to make the necessary calls.

Fiona stepped closer to Darwin, her face pale. “Do you think we can trust her?”

Darwin hesitated. “I don’t know. But if what she says is true, we’re running out of time.”